Blood in stool after stomach flu

Diarrhoea and repeated wiping can irritate tissue around the anus, while gastroenteritis can inflame the bowel. Blood can also be linked with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticular disease, polyps or cancers of the bowel and rectum. These conditions are not diagnosed from one symptom alone. Bright red blood, blood mixed into stool, and black or tarry stool may point to different parts of the digestive tract, so appearance is useful information for a clinician. Mention whether bleeding began with diarrhoea, continued after it improved, or has happened before. Ongoing changes in bowel habit, unexplained tiredness or weight change add useful context.

Arrange medical advice promptly and record the stool colour, bleeding amount, frequency, pain, fever and vomiting. Keep drinking small amounts regularly if you are losing fluid. Bring a list of medicines, especially blood thinners and anti-inflammatory pain medicines. Avoid taking anti-diarrhoeal products or antibiotics without advice when blood is present. A clinician may examine you and decide whether stool testing, blood tests or a bowel investigation is appropriate. Polyp removal is one treatment used for selected polyps, but it is not a general treatment for unexplained bleeding.

Seek emergency help for heavy bleeding, black tar-like stool, fainting, confusion, severe abdominal pain, rapidly worsening weakness or inability to drink. Contact a clinician promptly for repeated blood, fever, persistent diarrhoea, dizziness or very little urine. Earlier assessment is sensible for children, older adults, pregnancy, weakened immunity or medicines that increase bleeding. Blood that recurs after the stomach symptoms settle deserves review even if you otherwise feel well.

Ask what causes are most relevant given your age, history and symptom pattern, and whether you need testing or referral. Share family history of bowel disease, previous bleeding, recent travel, antibiotics, bowel habit changes and all medicines. Ask what symptoms should trigger immediate return and how to maintain hydration safely.